Chinese Herb Formulas

Source: Sunshine Sharing, Vol. 4, No. 2
Copyright Tree of Light Institute, Inc.

For thousands of years, Chinese herbalists have refined their herbal knowledge to develop one ofthe most complete and sophisticated systems of herbal health care in the world. Chinese formulas are very effective because they have been polished by long years of clinical experience. Today, many people in the West are turning to this traditional system of herbal health care.

In this issue, we'll introduce you to fourteen traditional Chinese formulas. These formulasare based on the Chinese principles of yin and yang and the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. To understand these formulas it helps to understand a little about these Oriental ways of looking at the world.

The laws of yin and yang are represented by this familiar circle. Yin and yang represent the opposite forces from which the universe is created: light and darkness, day and night, male and female, expansion and contraction, positive and negative, etc.

The major application of these laws to health deals with the difference between acute and chronic conditions. A YANG disease is an acute health problem where there is an excess of something (an irritant, fluid, heat, etc.) which needs to be eliminated from the body. Yang conditions have obvious superficial (on the surface) symptoms like fever, sharp pains and mucous discharge. They are also called stressed conditions. Formulas for yang disorders are designed to stimulate the body to cleanse itself of the stress.

In contrast YIN conditions are chronic health problems. Here there is a deficiency of
water, nutrients or other life-sustaining elements. yin conditions are deep-seated or internal with lingering, long-term symptoms like fatigue, general weakness and dull pains. They are also called weakened conditions. Formulas for yin disorders are designed to build up the body.

The five elements are related to five major organ systems within the body. The wood
element is related to the liver and gall bladder. Yang or excess conditions of the wood element would be associated with inflammation or toxicity of the liver, while yin or deficient conditions would be associated with chronic liver weakness.

The Chinese associate the fire element with the heart, the blood vessels, the small
intestines, the sexual drive and the metabolic rate (the warmth and energy of the body). Thus hyperactivity, fever and nervousness are associated with an excess of fire, while fatigue, cold limbs and loss of sexual drive would be associated with a deficiency of fire.

The earth element is associated with the stomach, spleen and pancreas. When there is
putrefaction of food in the digestive tract due to food poisoning or poor digestive function we will have diarrhea, nausea, gas, foul belching and other symptoms of acute indigestion. This is the yang or excess condition of the earth element. The weakened or deficient condition entails chronic digestive problems and general weakness.

Swords and shields are associated with metal. Hence, the metal element is associated with immunity and respiratory problems. Acute respiratory problems show an excess or yang condition of this element. Chronic lung diseases (such as emphysema) and shortness of breath are associated with the yin condition of the metal element.

It only makes sense that the water element would be associated with the organs which
filter the body's fluids--the kidneys and bladder. Likewise, an excess of the water element is simply water retention or edema. In contrast, a weakened or yin condition of the water element involves brittleness and stiffness as in the case of osteoporosis and arthritis.

In this issue you'll find a description of both the stressed or yang formula and the yin or weakened formula for each of these five elements. You'll also find a description of four other "special case" formulas which fill in some important therapeutic gaps.

This approach is sometimes difficult to grasp at first reading, but with a little thought and study it begins to make very good sense. To make things easier we've included an index to
diseases.

Chinese Herb Formulas Here are fourteen combinations specially formulated to help the body's major systems.

Liver (Wood) Formulas
Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C) is a formula for stressed liver conditions. Major symptoms of liver stress include tenderness and swelling under the right rib cage, anger and irritability and difficulty getting to sleep at night followed by a groggy, sluggish feeling in the morning. Other possible symptoms include headaches, skin eruptions, stiffness, digestive problems, nausea and bowel problems. It's traditional Chinese name Tiao He, means to "mediate harmony." It increases the flow of bile, promotes elimination, relieves cramps and acts as a diuretic.

Chinese Blood Build (BP-C) (Blood Purifier) is used to overcome blood deficiencies and
hormone imbalances associated with chronic liver dysfunction. It's traditional Chinese name Bu
Xue means to "nourish the blood" since the liver is a major blood building organ. Symptoms of a
weakened liver include depression, hypoglycemia, PMS, immune system weakness, fatigue and
hypochondriac feelings. The formula enhances the immune response, nourishes the circulation,
calms nerves, relieves muscle spasms, and increases both urine and menstrual flow. Being an
antioxidant, it helps the body clean up free radicals that cause aging. It may also be helpful for
cirrhosis, alcoholism, infertility, loss of appetite, anemia, postpartum depression, deafness and loss of eye sight. A major ingredient in this combination is the ganoderma or reishi mushroom, which is a powerful herb for strengthening the immune system and overcoming general weakness. It also contains astragalus, another important immuno-stimulant.

Nerve and Gland (Fire) Formulas
Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C) is called An Shen in the Chinese, meaning to "pacify the spirit."
Hence this formula is a nervine or sedative used to combat various kinds of ailments brought on
by tension and stress such as insomnia, indigestion, paranoia, neurosis, fright, excitability, angina pain, hyperventilation and heart palpatations. Its properties are sedative, antispasmodic, carminative and diuretic. The dragon bone, oyster shell and haloitis shell in this formula are all
rich in calcium, a natural nerve sedative.

Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C) (Heart Stimulant) isn't so much for the physical heart as it is for the emotional heart. It's Chinese name is Yang Xin, meaning to "nurture the heart." It contains schizandra berries, ASTRAGALUS and Siberian ginseng which act as adaptagen to help increase stamina and endurance and improve energy. It is good for exhaustion, enervation, muddled thinking, restless dreams, chronic anxiety, frequent urination (especially at night), restless sleep patterns (such as waking up frequently at night) and other related conditions. It works to increase the blood circulation, improve digestion, relieve depression, increase urine and strengthen the glands. When you feel "burned out" and that inner flame is gone, this is the combination to re-ignite it.

Digestive (Earth) Formulas
Chinese Anti-Gas (AG-C) is a natural digestive aid. It is used to "clear the congestion" from
the digestive tract according to it's Chinese name, Xiao Dao. Production of digestive fluids and
enzymes are stimulated, tissues of the digestive tract are soothed, blood circulation is increased,
excess fluid is eliminated and gas and waste material are removed from the colon. Common
symptoms include: nausea, bloating, food allergy, obesity, sluggish bowel, diarrhea, headache,
poor circulation, indigestion, flatulence, anxiety, craving sweets, motion sickness and morning
sickness. It contains aromatics and bitters such as agastache, citrus, pinellia, cardamon and ginger which stimulate digestive function and a Chinese hawthorn berry, crataegus, which is used as a digestive tonic.

Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C) (Ulcer and Colitis) is called Wen Zhong, meaning to
"warm the center" or the region of the stomach and solar plexus. It is used to rejuvenate a
weakened digestive system and soothe irritations in the digestive tract. It's primary effect comes from ginseng and licorice. It is adaptagenic, demulcent (soothing), antiseptic, immuno-stimulant and anti-inflammatory. It is used to treat hemorrhoids, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, poor appetite, ulcers, colitis, indigestion, fatigue, chills, flu, leg cramps, poor circulation, hiatal hernia, depression and arthritis.

Respiratory (Metal) Formulas
Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C) (Allergy & Lung) is an expectorant and decongestant used to expel excess phlegm from the respiratory tract and reduce mucous production. It's Chinese name Xuan Fei, means to "ventilate the lungs" or open the respiratory passages. The herbs help increase blood circulation, dilate the bronchioles, induce sweating, increase the flow of lymphatic fluid and thin the mucous for easier discharge. This makes it useful in cases of sinus congestion, bronchitis, sinusitis, headache, asthma, cough, tuberculosis, croup, sore throat and colds. Four capsules every 15 minutes have worked wonders for people having an asthma attack. Persons with high blood pressure should exercise caution when using this formula as it contains Chinese ephedra, a natural antihistamine, which can elevate the blood pressure.

Chinese Lung Support (LH-C) (Lung Healer) is called Fu Lei, meaning to "support the weak." It is a tonic formula used to increase immunity and heal dry and weakened respiratory passages. It stimulates blood circulation, relieves muscle spasms, soothes inflamed tissues, fights infections, especially those that have become chronic in the respiratory system. Its properties include antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, antitussive (prevent or relieve coughing), anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulant, expectorant and stimulant. It has been used to treat chronic bronchitis, asthma, wheezing, emphysema, thirst, constipation, chest tightness, debility, pneumonia and chronic cough. This formula contains many nourishing and building herbs such as astragalus, bupleurum, licorice, Siberian ginseng, dong quai and schizandra.

Kidney (Water) Formulas
Chinese Kidney Activator (K-C) is named Qu Shi, meaning to "clear to dampness" in Chinese. This is a diuretic formula used to relieve water retention, particularly in the legs and chest. It also helps to relieve pain, inflammation and infection in the urinary tract. Its properties make it anti- inflammatory, analgesic (for pain), antiseptic, diuretic, and stimulating. Conditions it has been used for include joint pain, nephritis, colitis, edema, diarrhea, indigestion, scanty urine, arthritis, hypertension, obesity, prostatitis, apathy, dizziness and fatigue. This combination contains several Chinese diuretics including alisma, hoelen, polyporus and akebia as well as herbs to provide energy to other important organs like the spleen and the lungs.

KB-C (Kidney and Bone) is a formula to strengthen the kidneys which in turn remove uric acid waste from the blood stream to reduce inflammation of the joints. It is a wonderful formula for low back pain, sciatic nerve pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, lumbago, weakness of the legs or feet and spinal misalignments. It 's Chinese name Jian Gu refers to this ability to "strengthen the bones." It may also be useful for impotence, frequent urination, chronic urinary infections, fatigue, low sex drive, anemia, insomnia, graying of hair, poor memory, paranoia and headaches. A key herb in this formula is eucommia, a diuretic that is used for low back pain, rheumatism, impotence and threatened abortion.

Other Formulas
Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C) (Anti-Depressant) is a Chinese anti-depressant. In fact, it's Chinese name, Jie Yu, means "relieve depression." Many people have successfully weaned
themselves off of anti-depressant drugs using this formula. It strengthens the liver and works to relieve aches, pains and congestion by increasing surface blood circulation and lymphatic flow. It
is also used for sagging energies reflected in conditions like prolapsus of the transverse colon,
prolapsed uterus and sad and heavy feelings. Other conditions it may assist include fatigue,
insomnia, neurosis, tinnitis, postpartum depression, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), morning sickness, menopause, lung congestion and PMS. Bupleurum is a key ingredient in this formula because it is thought to lift sagging chi or life-energy.

HY-C (Hypoglycemia) is called Bu Yin, meaning to "nourish the yin." Yin is associated with
water and this formula is used for a condition of dryness in the body. It helps to moisten and
nourish weak tissues. Indications that this formula may be needed include dry cough, excessive
thirst, afternoon fevers, burning sensations on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, dry mouth, constipation, dry or sore throat and burning skin. It has also been used for ringing in the ears, night sweating, poor memory, hypoglycemia, PMS, diabetes, hypertension, insomnia and menopause. This very versatile formula contains many important Chinese herbs such as
rehmannia, a bitter blood tonic and alternative used for diabetes, irritability, back pain,
palpitations, low grade fever, bone healing, sore throats and thirst.

IF-C (Inflammation) is an anti-inflammatory combination for relieving excess heat. In the Chinese it is called Qing Re, meaning to "clear the heat." It soothes inflamed tissues and also relieves pain while helping the body to remove the irritants through diuretic and laxative actions. It is useful for all inflammatory diseases ("Itises") such as tonsillitis, mastitis and arthritis and related conditions like dry or irritated eyes, earaches, sore throats, fever with chills, sore and bleeding gums, skin infections and ringing in the ears. It may also help treat PMS, menopause, hemorrhoids, gallstones, hepatitis, anemia, insomnia, chipping nails and depression. This combination contains many herbs whose flowers are common in Western gardens such as lonicera (honeysuckle), forsythia, peony, gardenia and chrysanthemum. These herbs help to expel heat and pain.

Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C) is called Sheng Mai, meaning to "generate the pulse." It is a general tonic for the whole body and works especially to stimulate the immune system. It
increases the "chi" or life-force of the body and helps to overcome fatigue, chronic poor health,
weak muscles and general debility by improving circulation, energy and promoting healing. It has adaptagenic properties which increase the stamina and endurance in the body and its ability to hold up under stress. It helps correct reversed polarity in muscle response testing. It is helpful in cases of extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, pallor, cold limbs, loss of hair, scanty menstruation, frequent sweating, poor memory, soreness of the back and weakness of the legs, anorexia, impotence, chronic poor health and general weakness. The combination contains many adaptagen such astragalus, ganoderma, Siberian ginseng, dong quai, schizandra and licorice.

Chinese VS-C This formula was developed by Dr. Wenwei Xie of Bejing, China,for use against the herpes simplex virus. It was formerly sold under the trade name HRP-C. Testing in the United States confirmed its effectiveness against the virus, but no useful drugs were found in any of the herbs, and research was abandoned. The formula is used for cold sores, canker sores and herpes infections. Its Chinese indication are "weak chi (or vital energy) with external heat." Hence, it is useful for viral disorders in which the immune system is weak, but external heat (sores, fever, etc.) is present. Dr. Xie thought it might also benefit AIDS patients.

Ailments Index
Adrenal exhaustion: Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), KB-C
Alcoholism: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C)
Anemia: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C), Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Anger: Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Angina pain: Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Anorexia: Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C), Chinese Spleen Activator (Chinese Spleen
Activator (UC-C))
Anxiety: Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C ), Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Apathy: Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C)
Appetite loss: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C)
Appetite poor: Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Arthritis: Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C)), KB-C
Asthma: Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C)
Backache: Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), KB-C
Bleeding gums: IF-C
Bloating: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C))
Blurred vision: HY-C
Bronchitis: Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C)
Burning hands and feet: HY-C, Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Chest (tight): Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)
Chills: Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C), Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C)
Circulation: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Cirrhosis: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C)
Confusion: Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Convulsions: Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Colds: Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C) , VS-C
Cold limbs: Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Colitis: Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C)), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Constipation: HY-C, Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)
Convalescence: Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C)
Cough (dry): HY-C
Cough: Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C)
Crave sweets: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C)
Croup: Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C)
Deafness: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C)
Debility : Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C), Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)
Depression: Chinese Mood Elevator (Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C)), Chinese Blood Build
(BP-C), Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Diabetes: HY-C
Diarrhea: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C)),
Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Dizziness: IF-C, Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Dry eyes: IF-C
Dry Skin/throat: HY-C
Ear infection: IF-C
Edema: Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C)), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Emphysema: Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)
Excitability: Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Eye irritation: IF-C
Fatigue: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), Chinese Blood Build (BP-C), Chinese Nervous Fatigue
Formula (HS-C), Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C), Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen
Activator (K-C)), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Fever with chills: IF-C
Fever (low grade): Chinese Lung Support (LH-C), VS-C
Flatulence: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C)
Flu: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C), VS-C
Food allergy: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Chinese Blood Build (BP-C)
Foul belching: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C)
Gallstones: IF-C, Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Hair graying: KB-C
Headache: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Chinese Breathe EZ
(AL-C), IF-C, Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Heart palpitation: Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Hemorrhoids: IF-C, Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Hepatitis: IF-C, Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Hyperactivity: Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Hypersensitive: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C)
Hypertension: HY-C, Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C))
Hypochondriac: Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Hypoglycemia: HY-C, Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Immune weakness: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C), Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C), VS-C
Impotence: KB-C, Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C), Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Incontinence: KB-C
Indigestion: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), Thyroid
Activator, (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C)), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C), STR-C
Infertility: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C), KB-C
Inflammation: IF-C
Insomnia: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), HY-C, IF- C, Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Irritability: Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Feeble speaking: Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)
Leg cramps: KB-C, Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Legs heavy: KB-C
Lung congestion: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C)
Mastitis: Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C))
Memory poor: KB-C, Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), HY-C, Chinese Trigger
Immune (IMM-C)
Menopause: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), HY-C, IF-C
Menstrual cramps: Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Mental Diseases: Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Migraine Chinese: Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Morning sickness: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C)
Motion sickness: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C)
Muscle tension: Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Muscles weak: Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C)
Nails chip: IF-C
Nausea: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C)
Nephritis: Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C))
Nervous tension: Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Neurosis: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
Night sweats: HY-C, Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Obesity: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C))
Osteoporosis: KB-C
Pain (joint): Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C))
Pain: IF-C, Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Painful menstruation: Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), Chinese Blood Build (BP-C), Chinese
Liver Balance (LIV-C )
Paranoia: KB-C, Chinese Stress Relief (STR-C )
PMS: Chinese Blood Build (BP-C), HY-A, Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), IF-C, Chinese Liver
Balance (LIV-C )
Poor appetite: Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)
Prostatitis: Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C)),
Respiratory infection: Chinese Lung Support (LH-C), VS-C
Restless dreams: Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Sinus congestion: Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C)
Skin inflammation: Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C ), IF-C
Shortness of breath: Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C), Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C), Chinese
Lung Support: (LH-C), VS-C
Sore throat: IF-C, HY-C
Stomach pain: Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Stress: Chinese Trigger Immune (IMM-C)
Thirst: HY-C, Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)
Tinnitis (ringing in ears): Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C), IF-C, Thyroid Activator (Chinese Spleen Activator (K-C))
Tuberculosis: Chinese Breathe EZ (AL-C)
Ulcer (gastric): Chinese Liver Balance (LIV-C ), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Urination, frequent: Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C), KB-C
Urination at night: Chinese Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C)
Vomiting: Anti-Gas Formula (AG-C), Chinese Spleen Activator (UC-C)
Wheezing: Chinese Lung Support (LH-C)